Suction cleaner



Sept. 8, 1953 E. H. YONKERS, JR

SUCTION CLEANER Filed Oct. 21, 1949 a'ward 7% yonl engJn MAIN/l,

Patented Sept. 8, 1953 UNITED STATES scram OFFICE SUCTION CLEANER Edward H. Yonkers, J r., Glencoe, Ill. Application October 21, 1949, Serial No. 122,716

3 Claims. (01. is3 37) V This invention relates to suction cleaners, more particularly to suction cleaners of the type employing readily removable and replaceable fragile filter elements formed of paper, and the invention has for an object the provision of improved suction cleaners of this character.

in a prior Patent No. 2,242,277, issued to the present applicant on May 20, 1941, there is disclosed a tank type suction cleaner which is provided with an elongate open topped dust pan having an air intake atone end and adapted to support a removable filter and suction generating assembly, the filter portion of which comprises a sheet of porous filter paper and a perforated backing member which extend substantially parallel to the path of the blast of dust-laden air that is discharged into the dust pan through the intake, whereby the dirt particles in the air blast travel along the filter surface and exert a scouring or scrubbing action.

While suction cleaners thus constructed operate very satisfactorily to accomplish the desired cleaning operations, it is necessary in order to empty the dust pan, after the cleaner has been used for predetermined periods of time, to first remove the entire filter and suction generating assembly, to then empty out the accumulated dust and dirt from the dust pan and to replace the used sheet of filter paper before reassembling' the filter and suction generating assembl on the dust pan. Such manipulation of the dust pan and the filter, while relatively simple compared to the operations required in other types of suction cleaners, may result in soiling of the operators hands or clothes, or in-thespilling of dust and dirt from the dust pan, and accordingly something is yet to be desired in suction cleaners accumulated dust and of this type whereby the dirt may be easily and simply removed from the cleaner with a minimum of effort and with complete safety against soiling either'the premises or the person.

It is therefore a further object of the invention to provide an improved suction cleaner wherein a disposable dust receptacle is employed which may be readily removed from the cleaner and replaced with a clean receptacle, whereupon the used receptacle may be disposed of without removing the dust and: dirt therefrom.-

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved suction cleaner of thetype normally occupying a horizontal positionbut which may be readily tilted to a vertical'positionto provide for removal and illstallationof disposable dust receptacles Still another object of the invention is toprovide a suction cleaner having the above char! acteristics and which may be economically constructed and which is of simple and rugged design. It is likewise an object of the invention to provide a novel and inexpensive disposable dust receptacle or bag having a wall portion thereof formed of porous filter paper. Y

A still further object of the invention is the provision of improved dust precipitating means for removing minute dust particles which mayremain in the air stream after passage through the filter.

In carrying out the invention in one form, a suction cleaner is provided comprising a suction chamber having an intake for dust-laden air and including an air-pervious wall portion, the chamber being adapted to receive a disposable bag-shaped dust receptacle which conforms substantially to the shape of the chamber and includes a wall portion formed of porous filter paper arranged to extend along the air-pervious wall portion of the chamber in juxtaposed relation thereto.

More particularly, the suction cleaner comprises an elongated casing having a substantially fiat end wall and containing suction-generating means which are supported in the casing closely adjacent the end wall. The casing is provided with partition means therein defining a suction chamber extending horizontally inward from the other end of the casing and being open at the other end, which partition means includes an air-pervious top wall portion through wihch communication is established between the chamber and the suction-generating means. chamber contains a disposable bag-shaped dust receptacle, as above described, and a removable closure cap is provided for the open end of the chamber, which includes an intake for dustladen air and which likewise includes a clamping portion which serves to secure the dust receptacle to the chamber walls adjacent the open end. In addition the casing is provided adjacent the end opposite from the suction-generating means with a handle for tilting the casing from its normal horizontal position to a vertical position resting on the fiat end wall in order to facilitate removal of the closure means and removal and replacement of the disposable dust re ceptacles. Likewise suitable dust precipitating means comprising a source of ultra violet light for at least partially ionizing the air and oppositely charged spaced precipitator plates disposed for The suction passage of the ionized air therebetween, are provided between the filter and the discharge outlet from the casing.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should now be had to the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view, taken substantially along the line l-I of Fig. 3, of a suction cleaner embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective 'view of a disposable bagshaped dust receptacle embodying the present invention utilized in the suction cleaner of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are respectively right hand end, elevational, and top plan views of the suction cleaner shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a form of electrical circuit which may be employed in the suction cleaner of Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawing, the invention ,is shown as embodied in the suction cleaner is comprising a one piece bottom casting H and a cover member 12, which cooperate to form an elongate casing of substantially the shape shown inpthe drawing, havingaflat bottom wall it and an upwardly extending flat end Wall i l. The vertical side walls 15 and I6 of the casing, which are conjointlyformed by the bottom member H and the cover member 52, taper as shown best in Figs. 1 and 4 and are connected by a sloping top wall l1. At its left hand end, i. e., the end opposite the end wall M, the casing is provided with an opening, as will be more fully described hereinafter. While the top and bottom members H and [2 may be interfitted and secured together in any desired fashion, they have been shown for purposes of illustration as having a suitable flange formed on the top or cover member and overlapping the upper edges of the bottom member H for receiving suitable securing screws iii.

As shown in Fig. l, the bottom member H1 includes a horizontal extending partition member 19, which is provided adjacent the end wall M of the casing with a suitable aperture for receiving a resilient supporting ring 2-9, which is preferably formed-of rubber or similar material and which is adapted to be engaged by an annular flange 2! formed on a combined motor and air pump unit which preferably comprises a shaft-connected electric motor 22 and -a two-stage turbine or air pump '23. In order securely to hold the motor and pump unit on'the supporting ring 29, a plurality of resilient spacer blocks 25 are provided which are preferably secured to the cover member I2 and extend downwardly therefrom so as to engage a suitable flange on the upper edge of the motor 22.

In addition to the horizontally extending flange 19, the bottom casting H is provided with a transverse vertically extending partition 25 and horizontally extending partition 26, which, together with thebottom wall l3 and th side walls 15 and [6 of the casing-define'a suction chamber 21, which is open at its'le'ft hand end and which extends inwardly therefrom toward the motor and pump unit. As shown in Fig. l, the horizontal partition 26, which forms the top wall of the suction chamber 2 1, is provided with a pinrality of apertures .23 so as to provide an airpervious wall :through which air may flow from the suction chamber 21 .to the intake of the pump 23.

Located within the suctionchamber 23' is a disposable bag-shaped dust receptacle 2%, which, as shown best in Figs. '1 and 2, conforms substantially to the shape and dimensions of the suction chamber 2'! and is preferably in the form of a conventional paper bag having foldable end walls 39 and 3|, a bottom wall 32, and a pair of substantially flat side walls 33 and 35. In accordance with the present invention, the side wall 3% of the receptacle 29 is formed of suitable porous filter paper so as to constitute the filter element of the suction cleaner. While various types of porous paper may be used, the paper sold in the trad as Dextilose is satisfactory. This particular paper *is a long fibered, unsized paper having a high degree of porosity. On the surface of such. paper are fibers which extend from the surface :and tend to retain dirt and function as afocusfor dirt accumulation. However, it has been found that the paper surface may be treated to binddow-n these extending fibers without impairing the porosity, the resulting smooth surface of the paper thus making it more difficult for dirt to adhere. The paper may be glossed by calendering with hot dry rolls, or other suitable binders may be applied to the surface of the paper in sufficient quantity and at proper viscosity to cement down the fibers without appreciably filling the pores, thereby producing a smooth surfaced porous 'filter. In constructing the "disposabledustreceptacle29, the smooth surface of the filter paper employed to form the side wall 34 disposed inwardly so that when the dust receptacle is assembled in the suction chamber 21, this smooth inner surface is subjected to the scrubbing action of the dirtladen air blast as more fully descrlbed'in the above referred to Patent No, 2 ,24227'7.

While the disposa'bledustreceptacle as may be formed entirely of porous filter paper if desired, and may be -formed in conventional bag making machines, the receptacle preferably is formed by employing ordinary non-porous 'paper bag stock to form the end wa1ls 30 and 31, the bottom wall 32 and the side wall 33, suitable flanges being provided on the upper edges of the end walls 3% and 3:! and the bo'ttom wall '32, to which flanges the filter paper constituting the side wall 34 may be suitably-secured as by adhesives.

.In order properly to :clamp the disposable dust receptacle .29 tin-the suctionchamber '2 l and properly 'to direct the blast :of dust-laden air into the receptacle when the suction :cleaner is in operation, .a closure leap 36 is provided, having an inwardly extending split resilient flange portion 31, whichis .adapted toextend into the opening at the left :hand end :of the suction chamber 2? so :as resiliently to clamp theend of the dust receptacle :29 against the corresponding walls of the suction :chamber. The closure cap 36 is formed to provide .an intake for dust-laden air which is :in the form of an inwardly extending nozzle 38 arranged to 'direct'the stream of dustladen air entering :therethrough along the inner surface of the porous'wall 340i the receptacle 29 at a high velocity-to effect ascouring or scrubbing action on the wall '34, as :fully described in the aforesaid prior patent. The nozzle 3'! terminates in theusual receptacle portion 38 adapted to receive the -.conventional cleaning attachments such as .a suction .tool'or :brush carried on a flex-' ible hose portion.

As .is indicated by :the :arrows in Fig. 1, the dust-laden air entering through the nozzle 38 passes into the suction chamber 21 andthrough the filter paper :34 land :the partition 26 to the suction side of the turbine-or pump and, after passing .therethroug'h is-discharged at the top of the motor casing .22. The dust or-dirt, as shown in Fig. l, accumulates in the ireceptacle 29. From the discharge end of the motor casing the air flows to a suitable outlet and is discharged from the'cleaner' casing into the room, suitable discharge louvers 40' being provided inthe top wall H of the casing, as shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5. If desired, suction cleaners embodying the-present invention may be provided with additional air cleaning meansbetween' thejdischarge from the motor 22' and'the'point 'of discharge from the casing. Thus, as shown inFig'. 1, a suitableultra violet source, such as a fuiiartz mercuryvapor lamp, 42 may be arranged adjacent the top' wall of the casing and suitably supported between the opposed' side walls; and an electrical dust precipitating labyrinth may be'pro'vided suitably supported on the partition 19 and comprising two sets of oppositelycharged plates 4 3;and44, between which the flow of air passes before being discharged through the loiivers'Ml. v j: 1 r

Referring to' Fig. 6 and the exemplary circuit there shown, it will be observed that the motor 22 and the mercury vapor lamp 42 are connected in parallel across a source of alternating current represented by the terminals 45through a suitable manually operable switch 46, and the two sets of precipitator plates 43 and 44 are connected to a high voltage current system deriving its power from the same source of alternating current, such, for example, as the step-up transformer 41 and the rectifier 41a. The air, in passing over the ultra violet lamp 42 becomes partially ionized, thereby facilitating the precipitating operation which is effected during passage of the air between the oppositely charged precipitator plates.

The cover or top member l2 may be provided with a suitable handle 48, by means of which the entire cleaner may be picked up and carried room to room, but in accordance with the present invention additional means are provided for facilitating the transportation and manipulation of the cleaner. tom wall I 3 of the suction cleaner casing is provided adjacent its right hand end with suitable recesses 49 for receiving a pair of roller type floor engaging elements, which are shown as constituting wheels or casters 50 but which may, if desired, constitute a single roller, the wheels 50 being disposed substantially beneath the motor and fan unit, and a pair of additional floor engaging members which are in the form of resilient bumpers or feet are provided adjacent the left hand end of the bottom wall l3. Secured to the left hand end of the top or cover member 12 is a pivoted handle 52, which may be employed to raise the left hand end of the cleaner casing so as to permit manipulation of the cleaner on the wheels 50, thus eliminating the necessity of lifting the entire cleaner for transportation purposes. 50 are disposed As shown in Fig. 1, the bot- 6. suitable toggle type latching 'members'54 anuby then lifting out the dust receptacle 29. By thus removing the dustreceptacle ina Vertical direction, all danger of spillingthe dust or dirt which-has accumulated therein is eliminated and a new dust receptacle maybe readily inserted into the suction chamber 21, whereupon the closure cap 36 may be replaced and latched in position. v I v In order to adapt the suction cleaner shown in Fig, 1 for use in blowing operations, the louvers 40 are providedwith suitable means, not shown, for effecting closure thereof and the casing is provided immediately over'the motor and blower unit with a'recepta'cle 55 for receiving a suitable blower connection, the rendered inaccessible cured to the top wall l'lof the casing. Upon closure'of the louvers lfl and removal of the blower cover 55, which is preferably provided with a swivel type connection, operation of the motor vacuum cleaner casing from the normal hori- Letters Patent is:

porous filter paper, precipitation means in said discharge chamber between said discharge side said casing within said discharge chamber and adjacent said suction generating means, said plates beingdisposed between said source and said discharge means and arranged for the sinuous downward passage of the ionized air therebetween.

2. A suction cleaner comprising an elongated outer casing having internal partition means extending longitudinally of said casing to provide an intake chamber and a discharge chamber, suction generating means interposed between said mtake chamber and said discharge chamber and in fluid communication therewith to form asingle fluid passageway through said casing, air filtering means positioned in said intake chamher and including a porous wall portion interposed in said passageway between said intake chamber and said generating means, said discharge chamber hav-ing an intake opening therefor extending transversely to said outer casing, and precipitating means forming a tortuous fluid pathway positioned in said discharge chamber H and in registration with said opening to form a portion of said passageway.

.3. The suction cleaner defined in claim 2 in which .an elongated source of ultraviolet energy is positioned withm said casing with the longitudinal axis thereof extending along the longitudinal axis of said elongated opening.

EDWARD H. YONKERS, J R.

References Cited in the file .of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Nmnber Number Name Date "Ferguson July 28, 1914 Quist Oct. 4, 1915 Echkenrod Feb. 20, 1917 Shanahan July 1'7, 191? Chase Feb. 18, 1919 McClatchie Mar. 1, 1932 Brewet Dec. 26, 1939 Osterdahl Dec. 17, 1940 'McCord Dec. 31, 1940 Yonkers May 20, 1941 Grison Nov. 23, 1943 Lindberg May '21, 1946 'Ehrgott Apr. '1, 1947 Wilson Sept. 21, 1948 Holt, Jr Aug. 21,1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great "Britain F 1 3 

